Let’s clarify and understand what the word and concept of Rishi means rather than just settling for the gist. We’ve all heard it said: Rishi means Seer. But if you leave it at that then the deeper layers of Rishi get lost and are not fully understood. Rishi is Seer, yes, and what the heck does
Inspiration
Guides & Living a Remarkable Life
After my mom passed, my sister became the keeper of the family photos, drawings and such. Now whenever I visit my sister Jen’s home, I feel like I’m simultaneously stepping back and forward in time. Her home, for me, is a shrine of sorts to our mom. I recognize almost every object there that is
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Inspiration
The Sacred Fire & Svaha, Part 1 by Manorama
It was in the mid 80’s when I began my studies in Yoga, Sanskrit and Meditation. During that time, I was introduced to Agni Hotra, an ancient vedic fire ceremony practice. The Agni Hotra practice consists of a set of specific elements that make up the fire and mantras that go into a pyramid shaped
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Sanskrit & Mantra
Ahiṃsā The Law of Harmony
In the definitive yogic text, the Yoga Sutra, Patanjali shares several elements that an aspiring Yogini needs to become aware of and work with. Early on in the text, he offers the definition of yoga, what happens when the definition occurs and what happens when you don’t experience the union, as well as many other
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Inspiration
Balance is Closer Than You Think
By Manorama In the Devi-Mahatmyam, the Devi, goddess, is called into being by the grace of gods for the protection of the world. Her birth is unique, in that her form derives from each of the god who directs his respective light from his core to a single meeting place. It’s at that
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Sanskrit & Mantra
Ahiṃsā The Law of Harmony
In the definitive yogic text, the Yoga Sutra, Patanjali shares several elements that an aspiring Yogini needs to become aware of and work with. Early on in the text, he offers the definition of yoga, what happens when the definition occurs and what happens when you don’t experience the union, as well as many other
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Sanskrit & Mantra
The Mystery of Svāhā
The Mystery of Svāhā by Manorama Offer it up to the gods through the sacred fire. Where does svāhā come from and how is it used? Svāhā is used during vedik fire ceremonies. When you perform a vedik fire ceremony, nothing can enter that fire unless it has first been offered with the utterance,
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Inspiration
The Strength of the Goddess
In the Devi-Mahatmyam, the Devī, goddess, is called into being by the gods for the protection of the world. Her birth is unique, in that each god directs light from his core to single meeting place and at that point she manifests. She is said to be incredibly beautiful, kind, fierce, loving, generous, protective and
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Sanskrit & Mantra
Jīvanmukti
The State of Yogic Freedom
We often approach the concept of freedom from the perspective of a being oppressed. Let’s say you live in a country where the government doesn’t take proper care of its people; the people in that country, including you, will likely feel oppressed. You may recall William Wallace’s powerful desire to be free in the famous